Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) – It appears that South Dakota’s voter turnout for Tuesday’s Primary will fall well short of the 50% that was predicted by Secretary of State Jason Gant. Gant was tracking the numbers thought the day on his twitter feed, especially in those counties using electronic poll books. While exact numbers have yet to come in, through the late afternoon some counties such as Brookings and Yankton were still struggling to eclipse the 10% mark.
Minnehaha County Auditor Bob Litz said he chalks up the low turnout to a lack of passion for the primary, while Gant said the weather may have kept people from the polls. Much of SD experienced rain Tuesday afternoon, and some portions of western SD had severe thunderstorms.
The rain did cause at least one candidate to change his election night plans, as US Senate candidate Mike Rounds canceled plans to be in Sioux Falls Tuesday night, instead staying with his supporters and staff in Pierre.